Guidance

Enabling Technology Programme Funded Projects (2023 – ongoing)

Updated 23 May 2024

1. ETP Call One

1.1 Lancaster University

E-band Traveling Wave Tubes for High Throughput Satellites

Design and creation of a high power, compact, low-cost E-band travelling wave tube amplifier to enable 5G and 6G high data transmission.

1.2 Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey

Plasma torch rocket electro-thermal thruster for space logistics (PLATOR)

Development of a new electro-thermal propulsion system to enhance in-orbit servicing, manufacturing and spacecraft manoeuvring.

1.3 Swansea University

Levitated opto-mechanical technologies in space (LOTIS)

This project develops key technologies, including nano-particle sourcing, conditioning, and optical trapping, to enable levitated opto-mechanics for large mass fundamental quantum mechanics experiments and inertial and space environment sensing.

1.4 University of Strathclyde

Micro LEDs for satellite quantum key distribution

Development integration of UV micro-LEDs to enable compact, low-power, robust sources for satellite quantum key distribution, which will support technology for encrypted communications.

1.5 Durham University

Advancing metal optics technology for space systems

This project aims to develop metal optics, enabling higher performance, more compact, instrument concepts for Earth Observation and for exploration missions.

1.6 Durham University

Looking up image slicers optimum capabilities in the extreme ultraviolet for space (LUCES)

Exploring image slicer technology in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) to develop the first ever EUV integral field spectrograph that could enable observations of the Sun and advance high energy astrophysics.

1.7 University of Southampton

Silicon photonic beam pointing for free space optical communications

Development of a novel beam steering chip for free-space optical communications, enabling fully solid-state communications.

1.8 Space Forge

Project Helios solar array

Development of a deployable and retractable solar array for use within a returnable spacecraft and to enable in-orbit servicing.

1.9 Imperial College London

Cold spray manufacturing for space (COSMOS)

Development of a cold spray metal additive to help in-orbit servicing, manufacturing and exploration missions.

2. ETP Call Two, joint with STFC

2.1 University of Southampton

Non-thermal plasma surface decontamination method for sensitive materials

Development of a sterilisation method using non-thermal plasma to support human spaceflight and exploration.  

2.2 Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, UK

Global Lidar Altimetry MISsion: GLAMIS – UAV Demonstrator Phase

Development of a low SWaP light detection and ranging method (LiDAR) instrument that can be mounted onto unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to support Earth observation.  

2.3 Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, UK

SPUD: Single photon upconversion detection

Development of low cost, room temperature photon counting detectors that can be used in imaging, sensing and optical communications.  

2.4 University of Manchester

Rappelling and Exploration Robotics for Space Applications (RESA)

Development of alternative motion techniques that expand the range and operating capabilities for extra-terrestrial robotics, supporting future rover and exploration missions.  

2.5 Imperial College London

Webs of Low-Resource Sensors and AI: Emerging Disruptive Technology for Magnetic Field Measurements in Space

Development of a new approach for magnetometer systems that reduces the need for booms on a spacecraft, helping to lower the cost of space science missions.  

2.6 MDA Space and Robotics

STRIPE: Structured light for Robotics guidance, InsPection and Exploration

Development of a novel laser sensor to make complex, vision-based missions possible in poor illumination conditions.  

2.7 RAL Space

Quantum magnetometry for Space Weather

Development of a highly stabilised laser which can be used in low Earth orbit to support space weather measurement.  

2.8 MDA Space and Robotics UK

ROLO: ROtating Lidar for autonomous Operations

Development of short-range, rotating LiDAR, more efficient in terms of size, weight and power, that can be used in planetary surface robotics.  

2.9 Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey

Novel Technologies for High Energy Proton Telescopes (HEPTEL)

Development of a detector for high energy particles that can be used in solar or cosmic ray missions and to enhance space weather predictions.  

2.10 University of Southampton

Realising Raman Spectroscopy for Trace Detection of Biosignatures

Development of Raman-spectroscopy (which uses scattered light to measure vibrational energy of samples) for detecting low level biosignatures (substance that provide evidence of life), which will particularly support exploration of icy worlds, including the Moon and Mars.  

2.11 University of Birmingham

Sub-Terahertz Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) for monitoring of GEO assets – STAR

Development of a new operational and technical capability to assess the state and condition of satellites from orbit using sub-THz radar imagery, supporting in-orbit service capabilities. 

2.12 University of Leicester

Analytical Technique Development For Mars Sample Return with Planetary Protection

Development of sample return instrument boxes and portable sample containers to support rover and sample return missions.  

2.13 Durham University

Wavelength-tuneable magneto-optical filters for the Solar Activity Monitoring Network

Development of a solar polarimeter (optical instrument used to determine polarisation of light samples) that can be wavelength-tuned to measure the solar magnetic field over several hundred kilometres depth within the second layer of the Sun’s atmosphere.  

2.14 University of Hertfordshire

Dynamic Range Unleashed

Project to substantially increase the dynamic range of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging sensors to support astronomy, in collaboration with XCAM and the Open University. 

3. ETP Call Three

3.1 University of Glasgow

NextSpace Testrig

Additive manufacturing material and process testing in a simulated space environment, enabling rapid, sustainable and cost-effective component qualification.  

3.2 Teer Coatings Ltd

Novel solid lubricant coatings for space applications in air and in vacuum

Development of a novel bimetallic doped, thin-film MoS2 solid lubricant with long lifetime, low friction coefficient and stability under atmospheric conditions. An enabling technology for long duration missions.  

3.3 Oxford Dynamics

Further Development of The Great Eye: Next-Generation AI-Based Space Situational Awareness Tool

Development of a long-range radar system capable of detecting objects in low Earth orbit, which could support space debris mitigation operations.  

3.4 Newton Launch Systems

Nitrous Oxide Thermal Decomposition Monopropellant Thruster Prototype

Development of a nitrous oxide monopropellant thruster using induction heating as the trigger, with the aim of providing a solution to end-of-life satellite disposal.  

3.5 University of Bristol

Advancing flood hazard modelling with the Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite mission

Use of data from NASA’s UK-backed Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission to improve order of magnitude accuracy for global flood modelling.  

3.6 Orbit Fab

Grasping and Resupply Active Solution for Propellants (GRASP) - UK Active Refuelling Interface Development for RAFTI

Development of an in-orbit refuelling interface, using a grasping technique, to enhance satellite servicing solutions that support sustainable space operations.  

3.7 University of Strathclyde

Hyperspectral Technology for Close Proximity Navigation (HyperNav)

Development of a technique combining hyperspectral technology (imagine using a wide electromagnetic spectrum) with machine learning to determine the movement of space objects, with could support active debris removal operations.  

3.8 GMV

REALM: VR Aided Spacecraft Refuelling for IOSM V&V

Development of a novel distributed simulation environment using a robotic testbed with digital twins and cutting-edge extended reality to verify and validate IOSM operations. An enabling technology for in orbit refuelling and satellite servicing.

3.9 University of Glasgow

Experimental development of autophage rocket propulsion system technologies for small satellite rapid low-earth orbit access

Pilot scale testing of an autophage (self-consuming) propulsion system – whereby the spacecraft consumes its own body as fuel – which supports scalable, cost-effective low Earth orbit access.

4. ETP Call Four

4.1 ARGANS

Global shorelines capability

An Earth observation satellite applications project, aiming to map global coastline trends, especially for regions of the world with limited geospatial information, enabling generation of accurate shorelines. Potential uses include climate change monitoring and coastal management planning.  

4.2 University of Derby

ASTRIA computational study for manufacturing, assembly and materials

Application and development of a material bonding method (transient liquid phase diffusion bonding) in a space environment, which can be applied to concepts such as assembly of large space structures or vehicle re-entry.   

4.3 Messium

Wheat biomass estimator

An Earth observation satellite applications project using research driven algorithms and hyperspectral imagery to estimate above ground biomass in a remote, cost-effective and scalable way.    

4.4 Ultima Forma Ltd

Electroformed modular Q-band waveguide assemblies 

In collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space, developing modular waveguides in Q&V-band by electroforming. Waveguides are key technologies in communications, directing energy in a particular direction. Electroforming involves “growing” metal via electrolytic transfer of ions, potentially delivering a cost-effective manufacture and development technique.

4.5 Imperial College London

Space applications of nitrogen vacancy-in-diamond magnetometer

In partnership with University of Warwick, development of magnetometers using nitrogen vacancy centre in diamond, potentially offering a competitive alternative to traditional fluxgate sensors. Magnetometers are devices used to measure the magnetic field, with applications ranging from planetary science missions to weather forecasting here on Earth.

4.6 Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey

Enabling ultra-low orbits: air breathing electric propulsion spacecraft

Development of a spacecraft platform capable of flying in extremely low altitude orbits, advancing the air breathing electric propulsion concept through propulsion testing, orbital mechanics simulation and aerodynamic analysis for use in Earth observation, telecommunications, and climate monitoring.  

4.7 University of Northumbria at Newcastle

Personalised tourniquet system for spaceflight technology

Development of a personalised tourniquet system for spaceflight, a critical enabling technology for human spaceflight in low Earth orbit and beyond to perform a blood flow restriction exercise countermeasure in space.  

4.8 University of Strathclyde

Tuneable radiation-resilient (AlGa)2O3 UVC photodetectors

Development and demonstration of suitability for space of a new type of semiconductor, providing an alternative to current Silicon-based UVC photodetectors.  

4.9 Frontier Space Technologies Ltd

Fluidic, electrical connectivity, and biocompatibility upgrade studies for the SpaceLab microgravity laboratory

Development of the fluid transfer and biological material property testing of SpaceLab, a miniaturised, autonomous lab-in-a-box designed for in-orbit manufacturing of high-value products. Applications include pharmaceuticals, biosciences and material science.